Best Pillow Top Mattress Reviews 2019 – Top 10 Compared

Last Updated On August 8th, 2019

A pillow top mattress presents yet another option in the growing bedding industry. From the traditional Bonnell innerspring, the industry has evolved tremendously to embrace comfort and relief from sleep issues. The pillow top (and euro top) represents the pinnacle of choice for many buyers on a budget.

As you research this type further throughout this article, you’ll find a refreshing degree of specialization, materials, and styles to choose from. In the below sections before we get to our top 10 pillow top mattress reviews, we’ll offer some help and advice on this particular type which not everyone is up to speed with. Ready to find the best pillow top mattress?

What Is A Pillow Top Mattress?

Just like it sounds, these are made with a comfy layer of padding similar to a pillow that rests on the whole mattress surface, and sometimes underneath too, allowing for a flippable or two-sided facility. It essentially offers a way to add an extra comfort layer to a mattress. You’ll find a broad range of styles from which to choose, and quite often you’ll find that these additional topmost layers can be of any material ranging from fiber, memory foam, to latex. You’ll also notice that these types vary in features to allow for customization, for example, some layers can be removed and replaced with another layer if required. This is particularly handy if the supplied top layer is not to the firmness level you desire, or, perhaps after some years, there are signs of sagging and simply the top can be replaced as opposed to changing the whole unit.

In your search of the top rated mattress for the money you’ll find both the traditional pillow top and also something known as euro top. The differences between the two types are subtle and primarily cosmetic. The traditional variant is attached to the main body of the support below directly. The euro top variant is also stitched to its peer underneath it but visually appears more like a cohesive whole rather than a separate layer due to its flushed edge finish. Euro tops tend to offer more edge support, as opposed to pillow tops which tend to drop slightly towards the edges.

Some Distinct Advantages

The term “pillow” says it all. The main benefit, however, is the comfort. While you may think that means only a plush finish, you may be surprised to know that the degree of firmness varies from soft to firm, just like a regular pillow or mattress. However, a large majority are aimed at those in search of a soft or medium finish.

A pillow top mattress offers all the comfort of a memory foam or hybrid option at an affordable price. Like hybrids, these mattresses often include several layers which give them a distinct advantage over other types.

Another benefit lies in cost. If you’ve been considering a memory foam mattress, you probably know that it can be an expensive investment for a high-quality product. With this alternative, you’ll find that a pillow top mattress is more affordable than the aforementioned memory foam or latex units.

In terms of sleeping positions, many back sleepers and side sleepers would agree there is much comfort to support and cradle them throughout the night. This is due to the contouring and conforming ability of the top layer, which provides more than suffice spinal alignment. However this isn’t to say there is an orthopedic level of support for those with problems like lower back pain, but enough for the everyday consumer.

Good motion isolation is something which many couples consider number one on their list of priorities. Nobody likes being disturbed at night by someone tossing and turning beside them. Pillow top mattresses are among some of the better designs in this industry which provide superior isolation of movement between those sharing a bed. This is mainly due to a large majority being pocket coil designs, and secondly, because the thick layer tends to absorb much of the energy produced through movement before the coils even begin to work.

Lastly, another reason why these are popular for couples is that they make a good type of mattress for sex. The sensation of laying on a cloud from the plush and sometimes padded top layer is a welcomed feeling while making love, but there is plenty of bounce from the spring coils underneath when required.

Things To Look For

With about 600 mattress companies in the US bedding industry, you have numerous choices. The average person keeps a mattress for seven years, so this is a purchase that you should consider carefully. To find the best pillow top mattress, take the time to determine what features are most important to you. With this information in mind, you can then scan pillow top mattress reviews to see which one comes closest to matching your needs. With this preliminary work, the best choice for you will become clear. Several factors that can guide your choice beginning with cost.

Price

Cost, of course, can be the dealbreaker or dealmaker. As mentioned previously, these are generally quite low in price in comparison to other types. If you opt for a temporary alternative such as a mattress topper, the price will be less expensive than a pillow top mattress, of course depending upon the quality of each one. However, there are disadvantages of a topper which would sway people towards the better quality and longer lasting mattress instead. In either case, a mattress is an important purchase, so you should consider your purchase an investment in your quality of sleep. Its impact on your overall health cannot be overstated.

Construction

The term pillow top might be deceiving considering that it may imply as only having one component. However, you’ll find it can include a number of layers underneath. Pillow top may just apply to the uppermost layer of the mattress. What lies under the pillow top has a direct impact on comfort. When researching, you should look for the materials that match what you want in a mattress. What you’ll typically find is a combination of multiple layers all serving different needs. For example, most commonly you will find a variation of innerspring and viscoelastic memory foam, or sometimes gel foam too.

CertiPUR-US Certification

All the companies represented by the products reviewed are part of the CertiPUR-US program, the foam industry’s watchdog. The program’s purpose is to ensure buyers that foam components of a mattress don’t contain harmful materials or chemicals through verification of its adherence to their standards. The program also addresses durability and performance to assure consumers of quality.

Warranty

Some manufacturers offer 10 years while others provide a whopping 25 years. Generally, the (long) length isn’t too important because it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be owning for more than 10 years. However, anything less than 10 years may be worth avoiding.

Top 10 Pillow Top Mattress Reviews

Dreamfoam Bedding Ultimate Dreams Crazy Quilt

The made in USA 11″ thick Dreamfoam Bedding Ultimate Dreams Crazy Quilt bills itself as a balance between softness and firmness which can appeal to buyers looking for something of a medium to plush comfort level. It is constructed of durable and high-density Certipur-US foam without the need for coils (which also makes it great for using with adjustable electric beds).

Like the previous review, it too comes with a quilt top that meshes well with its theme of a bed for dreams, but unlike the others, this was the only one that came in seven sizes ranging from Twin to Cali King, truly a product to fit any space. Traditionally those who are used to a firm pillow top mattress may find this one feels slightly less bouncy because it has no spring base, which can be an issue for buyers looking for something with the springy feel, but it’s still one of the best around.

Classic Brands Pillow-Top

Each section of this 10″ bed in a box mattress is constituted with an individually wrapped pocketed tempered steel coil. Each of these coils moves independently to each other. This allows them to adapt to your body shape and hug around your body. This ensures firm support and plush comfort and is claimed by Classic Brands to be of a medium-firm feel. Plus, this also prevents the problem of motion transfer when one partner on the bed moves, thus not disturbing the sleep of the other.

Additionally, it comes with an incredibly detailed quilted pillow cover. On top of the steel coils comes a high-quality focal layer. This is the layer that provides the ultimate comfort when you surrender yourself to it after a long day.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Select Super

The 12.25″ thick Serta Perfect Sleeper Select Super is one of the many Serta reviews on our site. It is only fitting, considering that Serta is the second leading mattress in the US bedding industry.

The Perfect Sleeper combines several proven comfort features in a proprietary blend that targets specific sleep problems that may resonate with buyers looking for a solution to these issues. The various memory foam components will be appreciated by individuals who like the feel and support of a supportive mattress, while the different layers of patented foam combine to complete a unique and distinctive feel while cradling and supporting the body. Made in the USA and with a 10-year warranty, this is another good choice for the shortlist.

Oliver Smith Deluxe Sleep Plush

The ventilated cooling foam of this deluxe hybrid beauty gives superior comfort and support when you unwind after a hard day. The 12″ plush-feel mattress comes with a 100% natural organic cover and the Green Foam certification for absolute peace of mind. The foam in use comes with the highest possible rating and is non-toxic in nature.

Each of the support coils is independently wrapped in fabric and come with 15-gauge steel springs, also known as pocket coils, which move independently of each other. The memory foam contours your body shape for that perfect support system no matter what your favorite sleeping position is. To top it all the mattress comes rolled for easy shipping and maneuverability around your home.

Simmons Beautyrest Silver

The Simmons Beautyrest range addresses comfort on two fronts, a pleasant sleep temperature, and proper full body support. If these considerations rank high on your choice of needs, this one is worth a look, simply because it offers the coolness of a gel memory foam for a comfortable sleeping temperature, a feature not shared with all of our picks. The addition of a high coil innerspring component is a welcome perk for those who prefer the bounciness of a traditional mattress.

Simmons, like Serta and Sealy are one of the better mattress brands in the US, so you can rest assured this is a safe product and is likely to satisfy. There is a 10-year manufacturers warranty, and Simmons also claim this is a good mattress for adjustable beds too.

Swiss Ortho Sleep

The highlight of this 12″ King pillow top mattress is the pocket encased coil spring design for support. Each of these coiled springs are individually wrapped. This ensures that they are able to support a wide variety of body shapes as well as sleeping postures including back and stomach sleepers.

Additionally, the shape of the coils and the way they are individually wrapped ensure that they can withstand movement of one partner easily without transferring it to the rest of the mattress and therefore disturbing the sleep of the other partner. The design also relieves the pressure points in the body which ensure that there is better circulation of blood and oxygen when you are asleep. The mattress is stated to be temperature sensitive as well.

Slumber 1 Dream

The Slumber 1 Dream 10″ incorporates the Revolutionary rebound technology. This technology is a marvel and as you unfold the mattress it literally expands to its actual size and is ready to be used in minutes, which may be common in foam mattresses but less common from an innerspring.

This pocket spring mattress has been designed to fit to the contours and shapes of your body while being comfortably plush. It can adapt to any body shape and any sleeping style giving you excellent support when you unwind for the day. This pillow top mattress comes with a base layer that is supported by a heavy gauge metal spring layer individually supporting each pocket of spring. This provides excellent support to you. Finally, the supportive pillow top layer gives exceptional comfort where you need it most.

Simmons BeautySleep Plush 450

The Simmons BeautySleep Plush 450 is appropriately named. With a 14″ profile, its construction is more complex than others and includes a 13 gauge coil component for added comfort. It is an excellent example of a one-sided medium / plush pillow top mattress that takes advantage of several layers to create a product that serves several needs and provides comfort on several levels, including gel foam for a cool platform and packed coils for support.

The outer quilt layer is a nice touch that adds softness and a luxurious feel to addresses the issue of wear. The construction is: quilt cover, 1/4″ AirFeel Foam, 1″ AirCool Foam, 2″ GelTouch Foam, 1/2″ Energy Foam, 800 pocketed coils, 1″ Energy Foam. As you can see, much thought and effort have gone into the design and delivery of this particular model, making it an excellent option from Simmons, one of the top 5 manufacturers in the US. Check out Beautyrest reviews for a look at their latest collection.

Sealy Posturpedic Response Performance

This 13.5″ thick plush mattress comes with an exclusive responsive coil system that provides adequate support to the sore back as well a complete full rest sleep for the tired mind and body throughout the night. The Response Performance features the company’s Posturepedic technology that provides extra support to those parts of the body which are heavier for a better overall comfort level. It incorporates a 1-inch SealySupport firm foam plus an additional 3-inches of SealyCushion which is an extra supportive foam that gives additional support for the tired body. There is also an additional 2-inches of SealyCushion Air foam which ensures better air circulation when you are sleeping.

Sleep Inc. 13-Inch BodyComfort Select 3000

The overall design of this particular Queen pillow top mattress constitutes hundreds of premium quality innersprings which ensure that you have a firm yet stable platform to rest through the night. In addition, this version comes with a 13-inch luxury pillow top for additional plush comfort.

The mattress features a 5-zone convoluted foam design for active support. The constituting foam layer uses a 360˚ encapsulated design. Plus, it also uses a TENCEL luxurious cover for better moisture control throughout the night. In addition to the solid support structure, you can also use a separate semi-steel or wooden foundation for additional support. Comes with 10 years non-prorated warranty.

Conclusion

Though the decision was hard to make, we eventually chose the Dreamfoam Bedding Ultimate Dreams Crazy Quilt as our top pick for the best pillow top mattress of the 10 reviews here. We liked the addition of a Tri-Zone Foam Core that provides support along with the comfort and pressure relief that foam layers offer.

We were also impressed with the number of sleep issues addressed in the construction. The top layers focus on a comfortable sleep temperature, while the other foam layers provide the pressure relief for which these materials are known. Lastly, the not too firm not too soft feel offers the support and bounce while catering for a large majority of sleepers.

Therein lies the overwhelming benefit of these types of mattresses. It allows the manufacturers to hone in on specific issues to appeal to consumers. It’s a win-win for the buyer too. If you have a particular need, you’ll likely find a pillow top mattress that has features that will make you more comfortable.

ChooseMattress.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.